So, you thought you could trick Microsoft by installing Windows 11 on your good old PC which does not respect the prerequisites thanks in particular to tools like FlyBy11? Well imagine that the Redmond firm has more than one trick up its sleeve, and it intends to let you know it in style – or rather with a pretty watermark… how to say… indicator.
The return of the avenging watermark
With the end of support for Windows 10 scheduled for October 2025, the transition to Windows 11 becomes inevitable, but Microsoft intends for it to happen according to his conditions. The firm has decided to brand reckless PCs who dare to run Windows 11 without having the minimum configurations required. Like a digital tattoo of shame, a watermark will now be permanently displayed on your desktop to remind you of your “crime”: “This PC does not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11” – merci Captain Obvious !
But that's not all! In addition to this persistent visual reminder, you will be entitled to very annoying and repetitive notifications in the system settings.
The risks of the dark side
Before you give in to the temptation of installing Windows 11 on your non-compatible machine, it is crucial to understand the risks involved. First, Microsoft does not guarantee the delivery of future updates, even those concerning security. You may also encounter compatibility issues with your applications and experience degradation in system performance.
Even more worrying, your manufacturer's warranty could be invalidated: any damage linked to a compatibility problem will not be covered. It's a bit like driving a car without insurance: it can run, but it's at your own risk!
TPM 2.0: Microsoft’s darling
What if we talked a little about this famous TPM 2.0 which is so much talked about? Three years after the announcement of Windows 11, Microsoft continues to insist that this chip is absolutely “non-negotiable”. But what exactly is it? The TPM can take two forms: either a dedicated chip that you can buy separately (as many did in panic after the announcement of Windows 11), or a component integrated directly into your motherboard (the most common option at the home of ordinary people).
This little gem of technology plays digital safes by storing your encryption keys, passwords, certificates and other sensitive data. And unlike its ancestor TPM 1.2, version 2.0 does much more than play guardian: it integrates perfectly with features like Secure Boot (still a prerequisite, so!) and Windows Hello. Microsoft also admits that its implementation requires “a change for your organization” – in human language, that means “take out your wallet”!
But wait, that's not all! With Windows 11 version 24H2, BitLocker will be enabled by default for all users. And guess who manages the encryption keys? Our friend TPM 2.0, of course!
No TPM 2.0, no chocolate!
To avoid ending up with this charming watermark, the verification procedure is simple: download the application PC Health Check from Microsoft, run your system scan, and find out if your PC is eligible or not. The application will tell you precisely which components do not meet the minimum criteria.
The technical requirements of Windows 11 are quite strict. Your PC must have a TPM 2.0 module and Secure Boot activated in the BIOS. The processor must be relatively new (8th generation Intel or newer), accompanied by at least 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of disk space. These prerequisites, particularly in terms of security, are non-negotiable for Microsoft.
What to do if your PC is not compatible?
Faced with an incompatibility, several options are available to you. The first, and undoubtedly the most reasonable, is to stay on Windows 10. Support is guaranteed until October 2025, you maintain optimal performance on your current machine, and you can even benefit from extended security updates ( paid) after this date for $30 per year. And above all, no shameful watermark to bear!
The second option is to upgrade your hardware, either by investing in a new PC or by updating certain components to achieve a Windows 11 standards configuration. This will guarantee you an optimal user experience and access to all new features.
The last option, for the most daring, is to install Windows 11 anyway, agreeing to live with the watermark and the associated compatibility risks. A bold decision, but one that could cost you dearly in terms of stability and security.
If you've already installed Windows 11 and the watermark is giving you nightmares, you can revert to Windows 10 within 10 days of installation. The procedure is simple:
- Open them Settings Windows
- Go to System > Recovery
- Click on Return to Windows 10
- Choose “No thanks” when asked to check for updates
- Follow the remaining on-screen instructions
Please note: after this 10 day period, the files necessary for the restoration are automatically deleted to free up disk space. You will then need to reinstall Windows 10 from scratch.
The final word
Microsoft really doesn't mess around with Windows 11 prerequisites, and particularly with TPM 2.0. The firm is looking even further, already paving the way for the growing integration of AI into our systems. TPM 2.0 is therefore not just a simple whim of Microsoft, but indeed the foundation of tomorrow's security. It remains to be seen whether users will be ready to follow suit… or to live with this charming watermark which will remind them daily of their “disobedience”!
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